Telling Liberals Why Obamacare Is Bad Medicine for America while Voting to Cut Federal Spending

Statement

On Tuesday, I was fortunate enough to attend oral arguments at the Supreme Court on the constitutionality of Obamacare. The stated goal of health reform was to lower costs, but Obamacare does the exact opposite. Rather than creating real choice and competition among health plans, Washington Democrats voted to force Americans to buy expensive Washington approved coverage. After personally observing oral arguments on the matter earlier this week in the nation's highest court, my initial belief has been reaffirmed: Obamacare is bad medicine for America. In June, I am hopeful the court will render a verdict striking down this unpopular, job-killing law. After leaving the Supreme Court, I spoke with MSNBC's Chuck Todd about the arguments presented by both sides in the courtroom.

The fact of the matter is: our country does have a cost problem when it comes to medical care. However, Obamacare does nothing to solve it. Cost and quality must go hand in hand. And I have absolutely zero problem with expressing those sentiments to liberals in Washington.

On Thursday, I voted to cut federal spending by voting in favor of both the Paul Ryan Budget for 2013 and the Republican Study Committee (RSC) Fiscal Year Budget for 2013. For 1067 straight days, Senate Democrats continue to refuse to pass a budget. House Republicans demonstrated our commitment to fiscal responsibility in leading by example. We refused to increase out-of-control spending by dismissing the President's proposed budget. Instead, I supported the federal budgets constituents in South Louisiana are desperately seeking. Both, the Ryan and RSC Budgets of 2013, contain needed spending cuts. I urge Democrats in the Senate to take action and pass a fiscally responsible budget to put our country back on the path to prosperity.

Wednesday night, I attended a meeting via video conference with the Veterans Action Coalition of South Louisiana regarding the Veterans Affairs clinics in Lafayette and Lake Charles. Our veterans deserve these facilities and further delays are unacceptable. Please read more about the progression of these clinics here.

Also, earlier this week, I cosponsored H. Con. Res. 110, a resolution limiting the broad expansion and overreach of presidential power. This resolution is in response to President Obama's signing of the National Defense Resources Preparedness Executive Order on March 16, 2012. This Administration engaged in signings of executive orders which compromise the Founders' principles of having a system of "checks and balances" within the federal government. These types of actions, which strengthen the power of the President at the expense of the legislative and judicial branches of government, will not be tolerated. Under the Defense Production Act of 1950, the President does not have the authority to confiscate personal or private property, to force conscription into the Armed Forces on the American people, to force civilians to engage in labor against their will or without compensation, or to force private businesses to relinquish goods or services without compensation. I refuse to allow for infringements upon personal liberties granted by the Constitution go unchallenged.

Please listen to the conversation I had with Bruce Mikells of 97.3 FM earlier this week about the President's "off-mic" comments regarding missile defense. We cannot have a Commander in Chief that says one thing then does something completely different.

Looking Forward

My office is seeking submissions for the annual Congressional Art Competition. High school age students not enrolled in a formal art program are encouraged to participate. The entries may be submitted to the Lafayette or Lake Charles District Offices no later than Friday, April 13, 2012. If there are any questions, please feel free to contact Kristie Broussard at (337) 235-6322. The awards presentation will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 11:00 a.m., at the Zigler Art Museum located at 411 Clara Street in Jennings, Louisiana. Click here for more information.

I also wanted to inform you about the U.S. Capitol Historical Society's first annual Student Essay Contest on the topic of "Making Democracy Work." The contest is open to any and all students in either grades 6-8 or 9-12 throughout the country. All entries must be postmarked or received no later than June 15, 2012. There are prizes that will be awarded for first, second, and third place for the winners of each group, the first place prize including a trip to Washington, DC. Click here for more information.

In an effort to spread awareness of issues important to constituents in South Louisiana, I encourage all of you to visit my Facebook page here. Also, I encourage all of you to check the website at: www.boustany.house.gov for the latest on press releases, opinions, and pictures. Please feel free to forward this e-news update to your friends and family!

Sincerely,

Charles W. Boustany, Jr. M.D.
Member of Congress

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